I cut my finger 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch circle off the end of my left ring finger. It was a circle of skin lost . It was VERY painful and bloody. It occurred at a class at our Quilt Group. I got distracted and poof it was done. I got help from a member of the group and got packed up and got to my car. I drove myself to the hospital with pressure on my finger holding it in a tight grip. I got to the hospital and had an injection to my hand to numb the pain. I did not feel very good. I was off work for 2 weeks and had to go to my Dr every 3 days to make sure it was healing well.
I tried the finger guards and they come off, so I changed my practice.... my fingers are 1.5 to 2 inches from the edge, I do not let myself get distracted and I use a handle on my ruler as much as possible. Be Careful. Oh and I am a Nurse! Live and learn.